Stripe decline code
incorrect_number
The card number is incorrect, so the charge cannot be processed.
Quick answer
incorrect_number is a hard decline. Retrying will keep failing; the customer has to act.
| Decline code | incorrect_number |
|---|---|
| Type | Hard (needs customer action) |
| Retrying helps? | No |
| Category | Card details |
| Customer fix | Re-enter the correct card number. |
Will retrying help?
No, retrying will keep failing
Send a card update link; retries will always fail with a wrong number.
A real example
A stale or mistyped card number on file means the charge can never reach a real account.
What the customer needs to do
Re-enter the correct card number.
Your recovery approach
Send a card update link; retries will always fail with a wrong number.
Copy-paste recovery email
Subject
Your payment didn't go through, [First Name]
A detail on your saved card did not match, so the charge for [Product] was declined.
Re-enter your card details and we will retry right away.
Recover incorrect_number declines on autopilot
SubRevival reads every decline code and responds correctly, retrying soft declines on smart timing and emailing customers for hard ones, with a hosted card update page. $19/mo flat.
FAQ
What does the Stripe "incorrect_number" decline code mean?
The card number is incorrect, so the charge cannot be processed.
Will retrying a "incorrect_number" decline work?
No. incorrect_number is a hard decline, so retrying the same card will keep failing. Send a card update link; retries will always fail with a wrong number.
How do I recover a payment that failed with "incorrect_number"?
Send a card update link; retries will always fail with a wrong number. Customer action: Re-enter the correct card number.
Related decline codes
Source: official Stripe decline codes documentation. Recovery guidance is SubRevival's own.